BA DRAMA AND CREATIVE WRITING
BA DRAMA AND CREATIVE WRITING
This unique degree unites UEA’s strengths in creative writing and in drama to give you an exhilarating immersion in writing and performance
You will have the opportunity to study all kinds of creative writing, with a particular focus on writing for theatre, cinema, television and radio. Alongside, you'll be exploring the practice, criticism and history of dramatic writing and performance. Your writing will be enriched by an awareness of theatrical and literary traditions from around the globe.
You’ll take practical drama modules and you’ll have full access to our professionally equipped 200-seat Drama Studio. This firm grounding in acting, directing, and all other aspects of stagecraft will enable you to graduate as a writer with an instinctive feel for the world of theatre and performing arts.
About
You'll gain a thorough grounding in writing for stage and screen, which will be complemented by opportunities to develop your skills in non-dramatic writing, too. Your stage and screen writing will be improved by mastering the ins-and-outs of theatrical performance, while you become better able to analyse dramatic language by writing it yourself. At the heart of your degree are scriptwriting masterclasses, where you’ll discover the formats, conventions and techniques of writing for different dramatic genres and media. You’ll learn by writing scenes and short scripts, offering critiques of each other’s work, and by working closely with other Drama students. In your second and third years, you'll be able to develop your craft as a writer by taking workshops in prose or poetry, working closely with our world-famous creative writing colleagues.
Throughout your degree you will gain hands-on experience by participating in production and practical project work. You’ll have the keys to our professionally equipped 200-seat Drama Studio, giving you the chance to control everything in your own productions. You’ll also have access to performance and placement opportunities, including a creative industries internship in your second year, which involves a work placement in a drama-producing organisation or environment.
You’ll encounter an astonishing array of drama and a wealth of performance styles, from naturalism to non-Western traditions. You’ll engage with major theoretical and directorial approaches, from Aristotle to Artaud, from Stanislavsky to physical theatre. And you can examine the use of theatre and performance – by the state, by political activists and by theatre and performance practitioners – to solidify or challenge structures of power.
You’ll also benefit from our highly regarded student run Minotaur Theatre Company, which gives you the chance to gain additional performance, technical and scriptwriting experience.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
You have the option to apply to study abroad for one semester of your second year. Studying abroad is a wonderfully enriching life experience – you will develop confidence and adaptability, and will have the chance to deepen your understanding of drama and writing while learning about another culture. At UEA, you will also be surrounded throughout your degree by the many students we welcome from around the world to study with us.
For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website.

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After the Course
Some graduates go into careers in film, drama, radio and scriptwriting. Recent graduates from our drama degrees include the actor Matt Smith (famous for his portrayal of Doctor Who and his leading role in The Crown), the presenter of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg James, and the playwright Tom Morton-Smith (whose 2015 play Oppenheimer was performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company). For others, this degree is a stepping-stone towards careers in the arts, media, publishing, politics, charities and NGOs, teaching and the commercial sector.
Our Careers Service is here to support you in launching your career by advising with CV writing, internships, and much more. Every year we run an event, Working with Words, which gives current students the chance to meet and hear from successful UEA alumni from across the creative industries.
UEA also has its own in-house student publishing project, Egg Box, along with many other exciting initiatives that give you opportunities to turn your love of writing and performance into a foundation for your future career.
Career destinations
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Scriptwriting
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Freelance writing
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Theatre and film
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Journalism
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Media
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Teaching
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Publishing

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Assessment for Year 1
Our BA modules in Drama and Creative Writing do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your degree is assessed in two ways: by what you write (submitted coursework) and by your practical work in acting, performance and directing (which is observed and marked). Your writing can take many forms. As a creative writer, you’ll submit both portfolios of shorter pieces of original writing and single, more developed, longer pieces. You’ll also be writing critical essays on drama and literature, and you might venture into pieces of creative criticism too (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning).
Assessment for Year 2
Our BA modules in Drama and Creative Writing do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your degree is assessed in two ways: by what you write (submitted coursework) and by your practical work in acting, performance and directing (which is observed and marked). Your writing can take many forms. As a creative writer, you’ll submit both portfolios of shorter pieces of original writing and single, more developed, longer pieces. You’ll also be writing critical essays on drama and literature, and you might venture into pieces of creative criticism too (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning).
Assessment for Year 3
Our BA modules in Drama and Creative Writing do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your degree is assessed in two ways: by what you write (submitted coursework) and by your practical work in acting, performance and directing (which is observed and marked). Your writing can take many forms. As a creative writer, you’ll submit both portfolios of shorter pieces of original writing and single, more developed, longer pieces. You’ll also be writing critical essays on drama and literature, and you might venture into pieces of creative criticism too (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning).
Assessment for Year 1
Our BA modules in Drama and Creative Writing do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your degree is assessed in two ways: by what you write (submitted coursework) and by your practical work in acting, performance and directing (which is observed and marked). Your writing can take many forms. As a creative writer, you’ll submit both portfolios of shorter pieces of original writing and single, more developed, longer pieces. You’ll also be writing critical essays on drama and literature, and you might venture into pieces of creative criticism too (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning).
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.In Year 2 students take 120 credits in total.
Assessment for Year 2
Our BA modules in Drama and Creative Writing do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your degree is assessed in two ways: by what you write (submitted coursework) and by your practical work in acting, performance and directing (which is observed and marked). Your writing can take many forms. As a creative writer, you’ll submit both portfolios of shorter pieces of original writing and single, more developed, longer pieces. You’ll also be writing critical essays on drama and literature, and you might venture into pieces of creative criticism too (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning).
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 3
Our BA modules in Drama and Creative Writing do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your degree is assessed in two ways: by what you write (submitted coursework) and by your practical work in acting, performance and directing (which is observed and marked). Your writing can take many forms. As a creative writer, you’ll submit both portfolios of shorter pieces of original writing and single, more developed, longer pieces. You’ll also be writing critical essays on drama and literature, and you might venture into pieces of creative criticism too (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning).
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
ABB including Drama/Theatre Studies/English Literature or BBB including Drama/Theatre Studies/English Literature with an A in the Extended ProjectBTEC
DDM in an Arts/Humanities subject (usually Performing Arts) accepted. BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services or Business Administration are not acceptedScottish highers
AAABB including Drama, Theatre Studies or English LiteratureScottish highers advanced
BCC including Drama, Theatre Studies or English LiteratureIrish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Drama, Theatre Studies or English LiteratureAccess course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in English Literature or Theatre Studies at MeritEuropean Baccalaureate
75% with 70% in Drama, Theatre Studies or English LiteratureInternational Baccalaureate
32 points including HL 5 in English or Theatre StudiesGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.
Alternative Qualifications
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA
English for University Study at INTO UEA
Interviews
If your application tells us that you're capable and enlivened by your chosen course, we will invite you to a one-to-one online workshop with an academic. This is a chance to meet us, discuss the course and work on a monologue from a play you love, giving you a taste of what it would be like to study Drama here at UEA. You'll be asked to prepare a monologue of your choice that you enjoy, so that you can work on it together with an academic. We'll also talk about your current studies, extra-curricular interests and the theatre that excites you.
We will request a sample of your creative dramatic writing, which could be a monologue, duologue, a couple of scenes or a short film. In your workshop, we’ll discuss your script with you, giving you a taste of what it would be like to study scriptwriting here.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.

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How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
Further Information
Please complete our Online Enquiry Form to request a prospectus and to be kept up to date with news and events at the University.

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